As a six-year-old, John Chappelear found freedom skating through the marble halls of the U.S. Capitol—until a police officer caught him, again. As a young man, he built a thriving business, only to have it stripped away in a single day. And as a father, he realized that success on paper meant nothing if he didn’t know how to live from the heart.

In this episode of Untold Stories, John shares the moments that shaped him—from childhood survival to entrepreneurial triumph, devastating loss, and finally, a shift that changed everything. With humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom, he reveals how he moved from a life ruled by achievement to one grounded in connection, love, and lasting impact.

As a six-year-old, John Chappelear found freedom skating through the marble halls of the U.S. Capitol&mdash;until a police officer caught him, again. As a young man, he built a thriving business, only to have it stripped away in a single day. And as a father, he realized that success on paper meant nothing if he didn&rsquo;t know how to live from the heart.
In this episode of Untold Stories, John shares the moments that shaped him&mdash;from childhood survival to entrepreneurial triumph, devastating loss, and finally, a shift that changed everything. With humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom, he reveals how he moved from a life ruled by achievement to one grounded in connection, love, and lasting impact.

Untold Stories is a captivating live oral storytelling series that offers a platform for Northeast Florida residents to share their unique and inspiring experiences with the world. From artists and tradespeople to shopkeepers and professors, everyone has a story to tell, and Untold Stories provides a space for these narratives to be heard. Join us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of life in Northeast Florida, one story at a time. Untold Stories is produced live on stage by the Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and the Florida Theatre. Barbara Colaciello is the artistic director. The 2022-2023 season of Untold Stories at the Florida Theatre is made possible in part through the generous support of the Wolfburg family.

Untold Stories

From Head to Heart: John Chappelear’s Journey to Meaning and Impact

At nine years old, Fenton Reese nearly drowned in a public pool, an experience that left him with a lifelong fear of water. Years later, in a cruel twist of irony, he found himself on the waves again—this time as a Marine, tasked with boarding enemy ships in the middle of the ocean. It was just one of many moments that tested his resolve.

But the hardest wave he ever faced wasn’t in the water—it was the day his mother drove away, leaving him alone with nothing but a choice: sink under the weight of his circumstances or fight his way to the surface.

In this powerful episode of Untold Stories, Fenton shares his journey from abandonment to the battlefield, from fear to resilience. With humor, vulnerability, and the hard-earned wisdom of someone who has stood on the edge, he reminds us that while we can’t control the waves, we can always adjust our sails.

Untold Stories is produced live on stage by the Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and the Florida Theatre. Behind every episode of 'Untold Stories,' artistic director Barbara Colaciello from BAB'S LAB is the creative force, carefully curating stories, mentoring the storytellers, and masterfully hosting the events.

 

At nine years old, Fenton Reese nearly drowned in a public pool, an experience that left him with a lifelong fear of water. Years later, in a cruel twist of irony, he found himself on the waves again&mdash;this time as a Marine, tasked with boarding enemy ships in the middle of the ocean. It was just one of many moments that tested his resolve.
But the hardest wave he ever faced wasn&rsquo;t in the water&mdash;it was the day his mother drove away, leaving him alone with nothing but a choice: sink under the weight of his circumstances or fight his way to the surface.
In this powerful episode of Untold Stories, Fenton shares his journey from abandonment to the battlefield, from fear to resilience. With humor, vulnerability, and the hard-earned wisdom of someone who has stood on the edge, he reminds us that while we can&rsquo;t control the waves, we can always adjust our sails.
Untold Stories is produced live on stage by the Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and the Florida Theatre. Behind every episode of 'Untold Stories,' artistic director Barbara Colaciello from BAB'S LAB is the creative force, carefully curating stories, mentoring the storytellers, and masterfully hosting the events.
&nbsp;

Sinking, Swimming, and Surviving: How Fenton Reese Found His Way

After decades of corporate life, Linda Altman had a plan: escape to Thailand, sit in a cave, and find peace. But life, as it often does, had other ideas. A spontaneous change in direction led her to adventure across Southeast Asia, then back to Jacksonville, where a new journey began—one filled with yoga, love, loss, and a fight for survival.

In this deeply moving episode of Untold Stories, Linda shares how she faced not one, but multiple cancer diagnoses, each time navigating with resilience, humor, and the unwavering support of her soulmate. From the toughest moments of grief to the absurdity of planning for death (and prematurely parting with a few personal belongings), Linda finds strength in the unexpected.

Untold Stories is produced live on stage by the Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and the Florida Theatre. Behind every episode of 'Untold Stories,' artistic director Barbara Colaciello from BAB'S LAB is the creative force, carefully curating stories, mentoring the storytellers, and masterfully hosting the events.

After decades of corporate life, Linda Altman had a plan: escape to Thailand, sit in a cave, and find peace. But life, as it often does, had other ideas. A spontaneous change in direction led her to adventure across Southeast Asia, then back to Jacksonville, where a new journey began&mdash;one filled with yoga, love, loss, and a fight for survival.
In this deeply moving episode of Untold Stories, Linda shares how she faced not one, but multiple cancer diagnoses, each time navigating with resilience, humor, and the unwavering support of her soulmate. From the toughest moments of grief to the absurdity of planning for death (and prematurely parting with a few personal belongings), Linda finds strength in the unexpected.
Untold Stories is produced live on stage by the Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and the Florida Theatre. Behind every episode of 'Untold Stories,' artistic director Barbara Colaciello from BAB'S LAB is the creative force, carefully curating stories, mentoring the storytellers, and masterfully hosting the events.

Riding Life’s Waves: Linda Altman on Survival, Love, and Letting Go

After decades of corporate life, Linda Altman had a plan: escape to Thailand, sit in a cave, and find peace. But life, as it often does, had other ideas. A spontaneous change in direction led her to adventure across Southeast Asia, then back to Jacksonville, where a new journey began—one filled with yoga, love, loss, and a fight for survival.

In this deeply moving episode of Untold Stories, Linda shares how she faced not one, but multiple cancer diagnoses, each time navigating with resilience, humor, and the unwavering support of her soulmate.  From the toughest moments of grief to the absurdity of planning for death (and prematurely parting with a few personal belongings), Linda finds strength in the unexpected.

Untold Stories is produced live on stage by the Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and the Florida Theatre. Behind every episode of 'Untold Stories,' artistic director Barbara Colaciello from BAB'S LAB is the creative force, carefully curating stories, mentoring the storytellers, and masterfully hosting the events.

 

After decades of corporate life, Linda Altman had a plan: escape to Thailand, sit in a cave, and find peace. But life, as it often does, had other ideas. A spontaneous change in direction led her to adventure across Southeast Asia, then back to Jacksonville, where a new journey began&mdash;one filled with yoga, love, loss, and a fight for survival.
In this deeply moving episode of Untold Stories, Linda shares how she faced not one, but multiple cancer diagnoses, each time navigating with resilience, humor, and the unwavering support of her soulmate.&nbsp; From the toughest moments of grief to the absurdity of planning for death (and prematurely parting with a few personal belongings), Linda finds strength in the unexpected.
Untold Stories&nbsp;is produced live on stage by the Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and the Florida Theatre. Behind every episode of 'Untold Stories,' artistic director Barbara Colaciello from BAB'S LAB is the creative force, carefully curating stories, mentoring the storytellers, and masterfully hosting the events.
&nbsp;

From Head to Heart: John Chappelear’s Journey to Meaning and Impact

Untold Stories

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips